Organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, the world’s premier global event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media will take place from October 27-30, 2014, at the Villa Erba Exhibition and Conference Centre, sited on the banks of Lake Como.
The unique Exhibition and Conference Centre at Villa Erba, built in 1988 by famous architect Mario Bellini, overlooks 24 acres of magnificent trees and parkland and at its centre, features a domed pavilion from which depart three distinct wings: Lario, Cernobbio and Regina.
Peter Grimster, Exhibition Manager of IGTM, said: “We are proud to be taking IGTM to Italy for the first time, and we are confident it will help showcase the country and recognises it as one of Europe’s most exciting, and growing, golf travel destinations.
“Villa Erba’s Exhibition and Conference Centre will be one of the most striking venues for IGTM to date. With a breathtaking position on the bank of Italy’s largest lake, it will offer next year’s delegates and exhibitors a very special, truly Italian visitor experience.”
Jean-Marc Droulers, President of Villa Erba Spa, added: “To date, there has not been a focus on marketing our golf products to the rest of the world, despite 400 golf courses in Italy, and 69 here in the Lombardy region – a concentration of courses almost equivalent to Spain’s Andalucia region.
“For the development and future growth of golf in Italy, associations, clubs and resorts must come together to help promote the country as a serious European golf destination, supporting the efforts of international players such as Matteo Manassero and the Molinari brothers.
“We believe hosting IGTM in Italy will provide a major opportunity to showcase the variety and quality of our golf courses, which stretch from the Alps to Naples and from Sardinia to Sicily, in locations where culture, art and food provide additional reasons to book a golf break in Italy.”
Lake Como, 40 miles from Milan's Malpensa Airport, is in the region of Lombardy and is part of the northern Italian Lakes District. It lies between Milan and the border of Switzerland with its southern tip about 40km north of Milan. The lake is surrounded by mountains and hills and dotted with beautiful villas and resort villages.
